BACKGROUND

[0001] The field of the DISCLOSURE lies in adaptive materials for implementation in textiles, wearables and smart clothing.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to functional fabrics or devices, comprising fabrics or fiber-based materials with selective reversible permeability or which reversibly change permeability upon stimulation with at least one external stimulus selected from humidity, temperature, electrical, magnetic, pH, and chemicals.

[0003] The present disclosure also relates to the use of said functional fabrics or devices, in particular as humidity sensors, temperature sensors, for humidity and/or heat management of clothing or of textiles for home, as well as for outside purposes. The present disclosure also relates to wearable electronics, smart thermo-regulating clothing or textiles and sport bandages.

[0004] The present disclosure also relates to devices comprising a sheet-like substrate and temperature responsive materials applied thereon, respective printed actuators and their uses as shape changing interfaces.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART [0005] The “background” description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0006] The research and applications of fiber materials are directly related to the daily life of the social populace and the development of relevant revolutionary manufacturing industries. However, conventional fibers and fiber products can no longer meet the requirements of automation and intellectualization in modern society, as well as people’s consumption needs in their pursuit of smart, avant-garde, fashion and distinctiveness.

SUMMARY [0007] In the following, the elements of the invention will be described. These elements are listed with specific embodiments, however, it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The variously described examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the present invention to only the explicitly described embodiments. This description should be understood to support and encompass embodiments which combine two or more of the explicitly described embodiments or which combine the one or more of the explicitly described embodiments with any number of the disclosed and/or preferred elements. Furthermore, any permutations and combinations of all described elements in this application should be considered disclosed by the description of the present application unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a functional fabric or device comprising fabrics or fiber-based materials with selective reversible permeability or which reversibly change permeability upon stimulation with at least one external stimulus selected from humidity, temperature, electrical (voltage, field or charge), magnetic, pH, and chemicals.

[0009] The present disclosure provides the use of a fabric or device of the present disclosure as humidity sensor.

[0010] The present disclosure provides the use of a fabric or device of the present disclosure as temperature sensor,

[0011] The present disclosure provides the use of a fabric or device of the present disclosure for humidity and/or heat management of clothing.

[0012] The present disclosure provides the use of a fabric or device of the present disclosure as sport bandage.

[0013] The present disclosure provides the use of a fabric or device of the present disclosure for humidity and/or heat management of textiles for home,

[0014] The present disclosure provides the use of a fabric or device of the present disclosure for humidity and/or heat management for outside purposes and/or for outdoor purposes.

[0015] The present disclosure provides a humidity and/or temperature sensor, comprising a fabric or device of the present disclosure, and electronics.

[0016] The present disclosure provides wearable electronics or smart clothing or smart thermo-regulating clothing or textiles, comprising a fabric or device according to the present disclosure.

[0017] The present disclosure provides a sport bandage, comprising a fabric or device according to the present disclosure. [0018] The present disclosure provides an agricultural fabric or covering, comprising a fabric or device according to the present disclosure and agricultural agent(s), such as nutrient(s), wherein rainfall or irrigation stimulates release of the agricultural agent(s), and wherein said agricultural fabric or covering is placed in or on top of soil or at the bottom of soil, such as after sowing.

[0019] The present disclosure provides an outdoor fabric or covering, such as a tent, comprising a fabric or device according to the present disclosure.

[0020] The present disclosure provides a printed actuator, comprising a fabric or device according to the present disclosure, wherein said fabric or device comprise a sheet-like substrate and temperature responsive material(s) applied thereon.

[0021] The present disclosure provides using the device or the printed actuator of the present disclosure embedded in everyday objects.

[0022] The present disclosure provides using the device or the printed actuator of the present disclosure as shape changing interfaces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0023] A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 shows a functional fabric of the present disclosure comprising a thermo moisture responsive ionic polymer having a hydrophobic backbone and hydrophilic side chains and which reversibly absorbs water and swells and expands in the direction of moisture.

[0025] Figure 2 shows PTFE and polyester fabrics comprising a pattern made via local coating or lamination with thermo-moisture responsive polymer in open and close status. [0026] Figure 3 shows non-woven fabrics comprising a pattern made via local coating or lamination with thermo-moisture responsive polymer in open and close status.

[0027] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a functional fabric of the present disclosure comprising ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) which undergoes a bending deformation under an applied voltage.

[0028] Figure 5 shows an example of a functional fabric of the present disclosure comprising ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) which undergoes a bending deformation under an applied voltage. [0029] Figure 6 shows the open-close response of a functional fabric as shown in Figure 5. [0030] Figure 7 shows a paper actuator having an open-close response caused by heating. [0031] Figure 8 shows the open-close response of a functional fabric caused by changes in humidity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0032] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides a functional fabric or device. Said functional fabric or device comprises fabrics or fiber-based materials with selective reversible permeability or which reversibly change permeability upon stimulation with at least one external stimulus selected from humidity, temperature, electrical (voltage, field or charge), magnetic, pH, and chemicals

[0033] Preferably, said fabric or device has different states it reversibly changes in between in dependence on said external stimulus, such as two states.

[0034] In one preferred embodiment, the fabric or device has a state with open pores/permeable areas and a state with closed pores/non-permeable areas (open-close),

[0035] In one embodiment, the fabric or device has a state where it is soft and a state where it is hard (soft-hard),

[0036] In one embodiment, the fabric or device has a state where it has more grip and a state where it has less grip / is smooth.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, said fabric or fiber-based material comprises humidity and/or temperature responsive material(s), which are woven or knitted with a pattern which, in response to said external stimulus, results in a variable pore size or in open or closed pores. [0038] In one embodiment, said fabric or fiber-based material comprises a pattern incorporated therein, wherein said pattern is made via local coating or lamination of the fabrics with the humidity and/or temperature responsive material(s), and wherein said pattern reversibly opens in response to humidity and/or heat.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, said fabric or fiber-based material comprises humidity and/or temperature responsive material(s), which comprise a double layer of materials having different hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity or thermal expansion properties, wherein preferably multiple double layers form a multi-layer stack. [0040] In a preferred embodiment, said humidity and/or temperature responsive material is a thermo-moisture responsive ionic polymer, which reversibly absorbs water and swells and expands in the direction of moisture, thereby opening the patterned openings.

[0041] Preferably swelling ratio of said ionic polymer increases with temperature at the same absolute humidity.

[0042] Said polymer has preferably a hydrophobic backbone and hydrophilic side chains. [0043] In a preferred example, the polymer has a hydrophobic polytetrafluorethylene backbone and hydrophilic perfluoroether sulphonic acid side chains (-SO ₃ H).

[0044] The polymer is preferably a sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene based fluoropolymer- copolymer, e.g.

[0045] In one embodiment, the patterned openings are furthermore electrical response- controllable by incorporating electronic components.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, wherein said humidity and/or temperature responsive material is a thermo-moisture responsive ionic polymer, preferably as defined above, the surface of said polymer is chemically plated or physically coated with conductive material(s), such as noble metals, forming an ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC), which undergoes a bending deformation under an applied voltage.

[0047] Examples of noble metals are Pt or Au.

[0048] In one embodiment, such fabric or device furthermore comprises electrodes on top of the conductive material(s), wherein said electrodes are arranged in a non-symmetric configuration and the applied voltage induces non-symmetric bending deformation, such as twisting, rolling, torsion, turning, twirling, whirling, thereby opening the patterned openings.

[0049] In one embodiment, said fabric or fiber-based material comprises a pattern incorporated therein, wherein said pattern is made via local coating, 3D prinitng or lamination of the fabrics with magnetic-based materials or sheets, such as magnetic filaments.

[0050] Said pattern reversibly opens in response to a magnetic field. The permeability of the fabric or device is controlled by using magnetic field. [0051] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides the use of a fabric or device of the present disclosure as humidity sensor.

[0052] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides the use of a fabric or device of the present disclosure as temperature sensor,

[0053] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides the use of a fabric or device of the present disclosure for humidity and/or heat management of clothing, preferably for improved wellbeing.

[0054] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides the use of a fabric or device of the present disclosure as sport bandage, which preferably adapts in shape, mechanical support and breathability during healing.

[0055] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides the use of a fabric or device of the present disclosure for humidity and/or heat management of textiles for home.

[0056] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides the use of a fabric or device of the present disclosure for humidity and/or heat management for outside purposes, such as in agriculture.

[0057] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides the use of a fabric or device of the present disclosure for outdoor purposes, such as tents.

[0058] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides a humidity and/or temperature sensor, comprising a fabric or device according to the present disclosure, and electronics. [0059] Examples for electronics are a resistivity or mechanical displacement sensor with circuit components, e.g. a battery or the like.

[0060] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides wearable electronics comprising a fabric or device according to the present disclosure.

[0061] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides smart clothing comprising a fabric or device according to the present disclosure.

[0062] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides smart thermo-regulating clothing or textiles, comprising a fabric or device according to the present invention.

[0063] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides a sport bandage, comprising a fabric or device according to the present disclosure, wherein the fabric or device optionally is furthermore breathable and supports cooling, wherein the sport bandage preferably adapts in shape and mechanical support during healing. [0064] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides an agricultural fabric or covering, comprising a fabric or device according to the present disclosure and agricultural agent(s), such as nutrient(s), wherein rainfall or irrigation stimulates release of the agricultural agent(s), and wherein said agricultural fabric or covering is placed in or on top of soil or at the bottom of soil, such as after sowing.

[0065] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides an outdoor fabric or covering, such as a tent, comprising a fabric or device according to the present disclosure.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the device of the present disclosure comprises a sheet-like substrate, and temperature responsive material(s) applied to the sheet-like substrate.

[0067] Preferably, said temperature responsive material(s) applied to the sheet-like substrate is a layer of conductive material, preferably printed onto the substrate.

[0068] Said temperature responsive conductive material (s) is/are preferably applied with a pattern onto the substrate.

[0069] Examples for sheet-like substrates are fabrics, paper, card or plastic foils.

[0070] In one embodiment, the temperature responsive material is a conductive filament, such as conductive polylactide (PLA) filament, applied with a pattern, which, in response to increased temperature or heat, results in bending thereby opening the pores, and which, in response to decreased temperature (such as room temperature), results in flattening thereby closing pores.

[0071] In one embodiment, the temperature responsive material is a conductive composite filament, such as graphene PLA composite filament, applied with a pattern, which, in response to increased temperature or heat and/or removing power or voltage, results in bending thereby opening the pores, and which, in response to power or voltage applied, results in flattening thereby closing pores.

[0072] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides a printed actuator, comprising a fabric or device according to the present disclosure.

[0073] In one embodiment, said printed actuator is a printed paper actuator.

[0074] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides the use of the device or the printed actuator of the present disclosure when they are embedded in everyday objects.

[0075] As discussed above, the present disclosure provides the use of the device or the printed actuator of the present disclosure as shape changing interfaces. [0076] In one embodiment, said shape changing interfaces are paper-based shape changing interfaces, such as pop-up books, packages.

[0077] In one embodiment, said shape changing interfaces are plastic or plastic foil-based shape changing interfaces, such as toys, origami robots.

[0078] In one embodiment, said shape changing interfaces are fabrics-based shape changing interfaces, such as lampshades, chairs, curtains.

[0079] Note that the present technology can also be configured as described below.

(1) A functional fabric or device, comprising fabrics or fiber-based materials with selective reversible permeability or which reversibly change permeability upon stimulation with at least one external stimulus selected from humidity, temperature, electrical (voltage, field or charge), magnetic, pH, and chemicals, wherein preferably said fabric or device has different states it reversibly changes in between in dependence on said external stimulus, such as two states, e.g. a state with open pores/permeable areas and a state with closed pores/non-permeable areas (open-close), a state where it is soft and a state where it is hard (soft-hard), a state where it has more grip and a state where it has less grip.

(2) The fabric or device of embodiment (1), wherein said fabric or fiber-based material comprises humidity and/or temperature responsive material(s), which are woven or knitted with a pattern which, in response to said external stimulus, results in a variable pore size or in open or closed pores.

(3) The fabric or device of embodiment (1) or (2), wherein said fabric or fiber-based material comprises a pattern incorporated therein, wherein said pattern is made via local coating or lamination of the fabrics with the humidity and/or temperature responsive material(s), and wherein said pattern reversibly opens in response to humidity and/or heat. (4) The fabric or device of embodiment (1), wherein said fabric or fiber-based material comprises humidity and/or temperature responsive material(s), which comprise a double layer of materials having different hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity or thermal expansion properties, wherein preferably multiple double layers form a multi-layer stack.

(5) The fabric or device of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein said humidity and/or temperature responsive material is a thermo-moisture responsive ionic polymer, which reversibly absorbs water and swells and expands in the direction of moisture, thereby opening the patterned openings, wherein preferably its swelling ratio increases with temperature at the same absolute humidity, said polymer having a hydrophobic backbone and hydrophilic side chains, such as a hydrophobic polytetrafluorethylenebackbone and hydrophilic perfluoroether sulphonic acid side chains (-SO ₃ H) preferably a sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene based fluoropolymer-copolymer, e.g.

(6) The fabric or device of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the patterned openings are furthermore electrical response-controllable by incorporating electronic components.

(7) The fabric or device of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein said humidity and/or temperature responsive material is a thermo-moisture responsive ionic polymer, preferably as defined in embodiment (5), wherein the surface of said polymer is chemically plated or physically coated with conductive material(s), such as noble metals (e.g. Pt or Au), forming an ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC), which undergoes a bending deformation under an applied voltage. (8) The fabric or device of embodiment (7), furthermore comprising electrodes on top of the conductive material(s), wherein said electrodes are arranged in a non-symmetric configuration and the applied voltage induces non-symmetric bending deformation, such as twisting, rolling, torsion, turning, twirling, whirling, thereby opening the patterned openings.

(9) The fabric or device of embodiment (1), wherein said fabric or fiber-based material comprises a pattern incorporated therein, wherein said pattern is made via local coating or lamination of the fabrics with magnetic -based materials or sheets, such as magnetic filaments, and wherein said pattern reversibly opens in response to a magnetic field, i.e. controlling the permeability of the fabric or device by using magnetic field.

(10) Use of a fabric or device of any one of embodiments (1) to (9), as humidity sensor, as temperature sensor, for humidity and/or heat management of clothing, preferably for improved wellbeing, as sport bandage, which preferably adapts in shape, mechanical support and breathability during healing, for humidity and/or heat management of textiles for home, for humidity and/or heat management for outside purposes, such as in agriculture, and/or for outdoor purposes, such as tents.

(11) A humidity and/or temperature sensor, comprising a fabric or device according to any one of embodiments (1) to (9), and electronics, such as a resistivity or mechanical displacement sensor with circuit components, e.g. a battery or the like.

(12) Wearable electronics or smart clothing or smart thermo-regulating clothing or textiles, comprising a fabric or device according to any one of embodiments (1) to (9).

(13) A sport bandage, comprising a fabric or device according to any one of embodiments (1) to (9), wherein the fabric or device optionally is furthermore breathable and supports cooling, wherein the sport bandage preferably adapts in shape and mechanical support during healing.

(14) An agricultural fabric or covering, comprising a fabric or device according to any one of embodiments (1) to (9), agricultural agent(s), such as nutrient(s), wherein rainfall or irrigation stimulates release of the agricultural agent(s), and wherein said agricultural fabric or covering is placed in or on top of soil or at the bottom of soil, such as after sowing.

(15) An outdoor fabric or covering, such as a tent, comprising a fabric or device according to any one of embodiments (1) to (9).

(16) The device of embodiment (1), comprising a sheet-like substrate, such as fabrics, paper, card or plastic foils, temperature responsive material(s) applied to the sheet-like substrate, which is preferably a layer of conductive material, preferably printed onto the substrate, wherein the temperature responsive conductive material (s) is/are preferably applied with a pattern onto the substrate.

(17) The device of embodiment (16), wherein the temperature responsive material is a conductive filament, such as conductive polylactide (PLA) filament, applied with a pattern, which, in response to increased temperature or heat, results in bending thereby opening the pores, and which, in response to decreased temperature (such as room temperature), results in flattening thereby closing pores.

(18) The device of embodiment (16), wherein the temperature responsive material is a conductive composite filament, such as graphene PLA composite filament, applied with a pattern, which, in response to increased temperature or heat and/or removing power or voltage, results in bending thereby opening the pores, and which, in response to power or voltage applied, results in flattening thereby closing pores.

(19) A printed actuator, comprising a fabric or device according to any one of embodiments (16) to (18).

(20) Use of device of any one of embodiments (16) to (18) or the printed actuator of embodiment (19)

- being embedded in everyday objects,

- as shape changing interfaces, such as paper-based shape changing interfaces, e.g. pop-up books, packages, plastic or plastic foil-based shape changing interfaces, e.g. toys, origami robots, fabrics-based shape changing interfaces, e.g. lampshades, chairs, curtains.

[0080] The advanced fiber-shaped and fiber-form electronics with most desired designability and integration features have been explored and developed by the present inventors.

Advanced fiber-based products, such as wearable electronics and smart clothing, can be employed as a second skin to enhance information exchange between humans and the external environment. Active and reactive (adaptive) materials with respect to the environmental and/or the personal situations will increase customer value, opening new possibilities for personalization, emotion expression and product utilization.

[0081] The major object of this disclosure is to provide flexible fiber-shaped multifunctional devices, including fiber-based materials having different functionalities and being adaptive/ stimuli responsive, meaning changing one or more material properties depending from the stimulus applied.

EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE 1:

[0082] Sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene based fluoropolymer-copolymer film with 183 micrometers (7.2 mil) thickness was laminated locally on different fabrics as humidity responsive part. In one stack we used PTFE fabric which was cut by a kirigami pattern and locally laminated with a humidity responsive film. The stack was kept in a climate chamber with controlled temperature and humidity. The temperature was kept at room temperature and the relative humidity values were gradually increased from 25% to 95%. Snapshot pictures of the samples were recorded at different RH values and the evolution of pores opening thus enabling different permeabilities under different conditions of humidity were investigated. These pictures are shown in Figure 8. The precise amount of pores opening could, for example, be recorded by a laser displacement sensor, a ToF depth camera, or by using the recorded video during the experiment and image analysis software to calculate the amount of pores opening.

EXAMPLE 2:

[0083] A cation exchange membrane, sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene based fluoropolymer- copolymer film with 183 micrometers (7.2 mil) thickness was used as the ionomer. To fabricate an IPMC stack, first, the membrane surface was roughened by sandpaper scratching followed by ultrasonic washing in HC1 and then in DI water. The exchange of protons by platinum ions was then performed by immersing the membrane overnight in [Pt(NH ₃ ) ₄ ]Cl ₂ ] aqueous solution stabilized with ammonium hydroxide. The membrane was then rinsed by stirring in water and four times 2 ml of sodium borohydride solution (5 wt%, NaBEEaq) was added every 30 minutes for two hours while the temperature was continuously increased to 60°C. 20 ml ofNaBH ₄ aq were then added to the solution and the solution was stirred continuously at 60°C for another two hours. A grey layer of Pt particles was observed on the surface of the film. To finish the process, the membrane was rinsed with water and immersed in HC1 0.1M for 12 hours.

[0084] To obtain the trilayer configuration of an IPMC, the edges of the film were cut exposing the non-metallized middle ionic layer. The trilayer structure of the Pt plated Nafion was further confirmed by cross-sectional optical microscopy and SEM. The open close response was tested by using a signal generator, a power amplifier, and a DC power supply. IPMC was clamped in a cantilever configuration and the electrode were contacted with two probes. The open-close response was stimulated by an electrical drive, with a peak to peak voltage set at 2V (= 20V after amplification) for a sinusoidal- or square waveform with frequencies of 0.2 to 1 Hz. The response can be seen in Figure 6.

EXAMPLE 3:

[0085] Normal PLA filament, or conductive Graphene PLA filament, were printed in a single-layer on a FDM printer. The printing speed is 3000 mm/min, with a heating temperature of 245 ~ 250 °C, a printing toolpath thickness of 0.5 mm, and a single layer height of 0.2 mm. After printing, the samples were placed inside the oven for a heat treatment. Following this heat treatment, the actuator is in its bent state at room temperature. When external heat source is provided (e.g resistive heating), the actuator bends back flat from its initial maximum bending angle; and it returns to its maximum bending angle again once it cools down to room temperature. So in this example, variable permeability can be enabled via opening and closing at a macro scale on different substrates. The response can be seen in Figure 7.

[0086] By using the filament 3D printing tool combined with another functional filament, such as magnetic filament, the same opening- closing property can be obtained. In this case, a magnetic field is the external stimulus which controls the permeability of the substrate containing printed magnetic pattern on its surface.

[0087] The features of the present disclosure disclosed in the specification, the claims, and/or in the accompanying figures may, both separately and in any combination thereof, be material for realizing the disclosure in various forms thereof. Thus, the foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting of the scope of the disclosure, as well as other claims. The disclosure, including any readily discernible variants of the teachings herein, define, in part, the scope of the foregoing claim terminology such that no inventive subject matter is dedicated to the public.